There are many different types of contracts a small to medium-sized business owner might need or encounter in the course of doing business. For example, most business owners will want to have employment contracts (if the business will be hiring employees), and some businesses may want to include nondisclosure agreements or non-compete agreements in these contracts to protect their business interests and rights. If you plan to hire independent contractors, you may want to have an independent contractor contract as well. If your business involves sales, you may need contracts relating to the sales, like bills of sale or purchase orders. If, when establishing your business, your business will be a partnership, you may need a partnership contract or agreement that makes clear each partner’s role, relationship, and responsibilities. These are just some of the types of agreements you might need when running a business. There are many different types of contracts, from consulting agreements, licensing agreements, settlement agreements, and more.

If you are a small to medium-sized business owner, starting your own business, or have questions about a contract you have been asked to sign, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC may be able to help you. While it is possible to write your own contracts, when it comes to the nuances and complexities related to a specific agreement or complexities of the law, a law firm may be able to advise you regarding the ways you can best protect your interests and rights in your contracts. Before signing a contract or entering into a contract, it is wise to understand the terms of the contract and to understand what your rights and responsibilities are in the agreement. If you are being asked to sign a contract for employment or to close on a sale, for example, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC can also review the contract to help you understand your obligations and the implications the contract might have.

Here are some types of contracts our firm may be able to assist you with:

Employment Contracts

One of the fundamental contracts a business might need is an employment contract. If you plan to hire employees, you may want to have clearly worded employment contracts that outline each party’s responsibilities. Some employment contracts might include additional provisions, like noncompete agreements and nondisclosure agreements. While it is possible to write your own employment contracts, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC can assist you with employment contracts that meet the specific needs of your business and take into account the unique protections your business might need. Employment contracts might include specifics about the terms of employment, like salary, schedules, duration of employment, responsibilities, and may also address other issues. If you need employment contracts for your business, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC may be able to help.

If you plan to hire contractors rather than employees, you may still want to have a written contract with these workers. If there is ever a dispute about the nature of the workplace relationship, a contract could make this clear. Companies could face issues if a worker disputes whether they are an employee or an independent contractor and the responsibilities a business might have to an employee can be different than the responsibilities a business might have to an independent contractor.

If you have been asked to sign an employment contract but have questions about certain aspects of the contract. Or, if you have been asked to sign a non-compete agreement or have questions about whether you should be classified as an employee or independent contractor in your employment contract, you can also reach out to The Bobb Law Firm PLLC. Non-compete clauses may limit your ability to work in your field in a specific area for a period of time. It could also limit your ability to start your own business in a similar field in a similar geographical area. While non-compete clauses must be limited in scope in order to be enforceable, they can have serious implications for your career and ability to work in your field. Having an employment contract lawyer review your employment contract can be helpful in terms of helping you understand your responsibilities and rights.

Sales Contracts

Whether you are selling goods or services, having written sales contracts can protect both parties’ rights and make clear each party’s responsibilities in a transaction. For example, in the U.S., if you sell an item or services for more than $500, a sales contract must be used for the contract to be enforceable. Generally, sales contracts include some basic information. This information may include the names of both parties or businesses involved in the sales contract, a description of the goods and services being exchanged, payment and price, and terms of delivery (which might include dates and times). Businesses and individuals rely on sales contracts to prove that they have paid and purchased an item, to ensure that items are delivered on time, and to protect their rights in a transaction. Sales contracts may include additional clauses, which can include information about under which state/province’s laws the contract can be enforced, warranties, and what remedies either party might have should there be a breach of contract. If you’re making a major purchase involving a contract? The Bobb Law Firm PLLC may be able to review the contract and help you understand what your rights and responsibilities might be before you sign it.

Contractor Agreements

If you are considering signing or drafting a contractor agreement for a U.S. or Canadian company, it can sometimes be wise to have the agreement reviewed by a U.S. or Canadian contract law firm like The Bobb Law Firm PLLC. Contractor agreements are often used to make clear the relationship both parties have (companies don’t want independent contractors thinking they are employees), and can also make clear payment agreements, and steps each party can take if there is a misunderstanding or disagreement. Contractor agreements often include information about the services the contractor is expected to perform, information about payment, and other information about the job, including the fact that the independent contractor might be expected to acquire their own licensing, or use their own materials and supplies. The agreement may also include information about the length of the agreement, when the agreement will end, and provisions for raising disagreements. If you are thinking of signing or drafting a U.S. or Canadian contractor agreement, The Bobb Law Firm PLLC may be able to review or draft the agreement to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and obligations under the law.

Additional Agreements

The Bobb Law Firm PLLC can also assist you review or draft the following agreements:

• Commercial Leases
• Residential Leases
• Distribution Agreements
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s)
• Operating Agreements
• Service Agreements

While there is a great deal of general information out there about business contracts and employment contracts, having a lawyer review or write your contracts can offer you additional support. A contract law firm like The Bobb Law Firm PLLC, for example, can learn more about your business’s unique needs, your goals, and take steps to write contracts or review your contracts so that your needs and rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law. Mistakes in contracts can lead to issues for businesses and individuals down the line or failing to include important clauses can leave a business vulnerable. Having The Bobb Law Firm PLLC review your contracts or draft your contracts could be helpful.